Fail Safe Falafels

Fail Safe Falafels Recipe: Flavorful Vegetarian Arabian Delight

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 24 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fail Safe Falafels are a delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. These crispy and flavorful patties are made with garbanzos, potatoes, onions, and a blend of spices. They are easy to make and are sure to become a favorite in your household.

History

Falafels have been a popular Middle Eastern dish for centuries. They are traditionally made with ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and deep-fried to perfection. This fail-safe falafel recipe puts a unique twist on the classic dish by incorporating potatoes for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) bag of garbanzos* (Goya brand is what I use)
2 medium potatoes, peeled
1 medium onion, peeled
2 cloves of garlic
1-2 tbsp curry powder
1-2 tbsp chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 tbsp of flour
1 tbsp baking soda

How to prepare

Soak the garbanzos overnight in water (at least 12 hours, I usually wait 24). When ready to prepare, drain them and put them through a food grinder with the onion, potato, and garlic. Add the seasoning and flour, mix well, and let it sit for about 2-3 hours.
When you are ready to deep fry, add the baking soda and mix again. Heat about 2-3 inches of canola oil in a deep, heavy frying pan until it reaches just below the smoke point. Form the mixture into patties about the size of a golf ball, flatten slightly, and place them in the oil for about 2 minutes, turning a couple of times. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve on warm pita bread with your preferred toppings for falafel.

Variations

Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the falafel mixture for added flavor.
Use different spices such as cumin, coriander, or paprika to customize the flavor profile of the falafels.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to soak the garbanzos overnight to ensure they are soft enough to grind.

- Let the mixture sit for a few hours before frying to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Use a food grinder to ensure a smooth and consistent texture.

- Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan, as this can cause the falafels to cook unevenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve fail-safe falafels on warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Deep frying is the traditional method for cooking falafels, but you can also bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned chickpeas in place of dried garbanzos if you are short on time. You can also use sweet potatoes or carrots in place of regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the falafel mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve fail-safe falafels on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces such as hummus, tahini, or spicy harissa.

Pairing Recommendations

Fail-safe falafels pair well with a side of tabbouleh salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover falafels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fail-safe falafels contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fail-safe falafels contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fail-safe falafels contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of fail-safe falafels contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fail-safe falafels are a good source of fiber, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour used to bind the falafels together.

Summary

Fail-safe falafels are a nutritious and delicious vegetarian dish that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fail-safe falafels are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful interior, these falafels are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory like a treasured piece of artwork. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my collection of old cookbooks. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on a faded, handwritten recipe card tucked between the pages of a well-loved cookbook. The title read "Fail Safe Falafels."

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but something about it called out to me. Intrigued, I carefully read through the ingredients and instructions. Chickpeas, garlic, onion, parsley, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt. Simple yet flavorful. The recipe seemed to promise crispy, perfectly spiced falafels that would melt in your mouth.

I had never made falafels before, but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, chopping, blending, and shaping the mixture into small, round balls. The aroma of the spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As I dropped the falafels into the hot oil, they sizzled and bubbled, transforming into golden brown perfection. I couldn't resist sneaking a taste before serving them to my family. The falafel was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. It was a revelation.

From that day on, Fail Safe Falafels became a staple in my kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual dinners. They were always a hit, eliciting compliments and requests for the recipe. I never revealed where I had found it, preferring to keep the origin of the recipe a mystery.

Over the years, I perfected my technique, adjusting the seasoning to suit my taste and experimenting with different serving suggestions. I discovered that falafels were delicious stuffed into pita bread with tahini sauce, served alongside a fresh salad, or eaten on their own as a snack.

As I made Fail Safe Falafels time and time again, I began to wonder about the person who had originally shared the recipe. Who were they? Where did they learn to make falafels? Had they passed it down through generations, like I had with my own family?

I imagined a wise old grandmother, her hands stained with spices and her kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals. Perhaps she had learned to make falafels from her own grandmother, who had learned it from hers, creating a chain of culinary knowledge that stretched back through the ages.

I pictured her standing at a rustic wooden table, expertly shaping the chickpea mixture into perfect balls, her movements fluid and practiced. She would have smiled as she fried the falafels to crispy perfection, knowing that they would bring joy and satisfaction to those who ate them.

In my mind, this imaginary grandmother became a symbol of the power of food to connect us across time and space. Her recipe had traveled through generations, landing in my kitchen by chance, yet forging a link between us that transcended the boundaries of time and distance.

As I continued to make Fail Safe Falafels, I felt a sense of gratitude towards this unknown woman who had unknowingly enriched my life with her culinary creation. I hoped that wherever she was, she knew that her recipe had found a place in my heart and in the hearts of those who shared it with me.

And so, whenever I make Fail Safe Falafels, I do it with a sense of reverence and appreciation for the unknown grandmother who had gifted me with this delicious recipe. I like to think that she would be pleased to know that her legacy lives on, bringing joy and connection to those who taste her falafels.